Sending Packages Overseas from Korea Post Office (EMS & Surface Mail)

Understanding your international shipping options

Korea Post offers a range of international shipping speeds and price points, with EMS sitting at the faster, more expensive end and surface mail at the slower, more budget-friendly end, giving senders a genuine choice based on how urgently a package needs to arrive.

Choosing EMS for time-sensitive shipments

EMS generally offers tracked, reliably faster delivery, making it the more sensible choice for time-sensitive items or higher-value packages where tracking and speed genuinely matter more than minimizing shipping cost.

Choosing surface mail for cost savings on non-urgent items

For less time-sensitive shipments, particularly heavier items where cost matters more than speed, surface mail's considerably lower price can make sense, provided you are comfortable with a delivery timeline that may extend to several weeks or longer.

Preparing your package and checking restrictions

Reviewing both Korean postal export restrictions and your destination country's import regulations before packing, properly declaring contents on the required customs forms, and packaging items securely for a potentially long international transit all help ensure a smooth shipping experience.

Useful Korean

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between EMS and surface mail?

EMS (Express Mail Service) offers significantly faster international delivery at a higher cost, while surface mail is considerably slower, sometimes taking weeks to months depending on destination, but generally much more affordable, making the choice largely a tradeoff between speed and cost.

Are there restrictions on what I can send internationally from Korea?

Yes, various items are restricted or prohibited from international shipping depending on destination country regulations, including certain foods, liquids, and other regulated goods, so checking both Korean postal restrictions and your destination country's import rules before packing is important.

Do post office staff generally speak English?

English support varies by specific branch, with post offices in more internationally frequented areas somewhat more likely to have some English capability, though having your destination address and package contents written down clearly helps regardless of language ability.